Going Green may seem to be the latest trend, next to cloud computing, but is it just hype? Going green holds a variety of benefits for business owners. A “green” workplace provides a healthy environment for employees, reduces costly and unnecessary waste all while recognizing the role that their businesses plays in leading the way for social change for the better.
Going green with your business? Check out some of the advantages and pitfalls of being a green company. Also some tips and easy changes to make your workplace greener tomorrow!
Stop just thinking about going green. Do something today for a better tomorrow!
Going Green: Pros
The force is strong in this one!
Stick it to the man! Going green gets practical because Tax credit and incentives at the state level are available, the IRS allotted businesses that use hybrid company cars a tax credit. They are even offering a tax credit of up to 30 percent for the use of solar and wind energy!
Waste not, Want Not. Printing less and using e-documentation can cut a lot of paper out of the budget saving money and trees. Offering hybrid vehicles saves money for companies that refund employee fuel prices. Light timers, electric documents, and low flow toilets can save on utility costs and increase the company’s bottom line.
Step into my office…My Green Office! A green workplace can offer many benefits especially when using green cleaning products. Industrial cleaning products and bleach are packed with volatile chemicals and can affect workers sensitive to chemicals. Green cleaning supplies have less chemicals and are often hypo-allergenic.HostGator promos
That Green’s a real hit! While public response is high, it may not be enough motivation to make the switch, Companies such as Wal-Mart an Target have gone green and have seen a very positive reaction from consumers with green product sales alone jumping somewhere around 20 percent as of 2010.
Be a hero. Save the world. The larger value of going green relates to maintaining the health of the environment. Utilizing sustainable methods can prevent the waste of natural resources, helping reduce the risk of depletion on the long run. What is going green? Everything from triumphs in company retooling to baby steps like switching the light off in an empty office, everything helps.
Going Green: The Dark Side
Nooooooooooo!
Businesses are hopping on the going-green bandwagon because consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues. Some businesses are even implementing “triple bottom line” policies — taking into account people, planet and profit — into their operations. But there are sacrifices: The ease of hard-copy documents, the comfort of your company’s turbo diesel truck, toilets you don’t have to flush twice to work and above all going green isn’t cheap!
Going Green: Conclusion & What corners to cut
Making change around the office is hard. Here’s a few ideas where to start.
Sourcing A logical starting point for a business going green is the raw materials that the business uses for its products or services. For example, if some of the wood a lumber company purchases comes from virgin tropical forest, that company could “go green” by switching to certified renewable plantation wood. Even if a business isn’t deliberately trying to source greener materials, it may be strongly encouraged to do so by consumer pressure if its raw materials are considered unfriendly to the environment.
Water Usage Reducing water usage may involve refining a product manufacturing process or switching to an alternative material. Cutting down water usage not only boosts a company’s green credentials, it also helps make the region where its products are produced more stable and its industry more sustainable.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions The sum of the carbon dioxide emissions from a company’s operations – businesses are reducing their carbon footprints through streamlining supply chains, selecting less energy-intensive materials and processes, and even encouraging telecommuting so their employees drive less.
Waste Materials Examine your company’s production cycle and waste products is the first step in figuring out how to reduce its overall waste. Cut down on the amount of packaging you use in your products.
